Major Andre Morell RWF

[ap1]

I've started this thread so that it doesn't interfere with similar threads running. Whilst looking today at RWF related stuff in films and TV. The name Andre Morell appeared. His Wiki claims he served with the regiment from 1940-1946. Looking at his work and internet references, he was fine actor who worked with some of the greatest moviestars of the mid 20th Century. Including Burt Lancaster, William Holden, Lawrence Olivier, Alec Guinness and Jack Hawkins. He was married to the Joan Greenwood, another famous english actress. One of her final parts was as the landlady in French & Saunders "Girls on Top" she was also in some of the classic british films of the 50's including "The Man in the White Suit".

It would be a nice touch to be able to add some flesh to his RWF service. No references to him in Red Dragon, I'm wondering if he had a staff job somewhere that kept him a little detached from regimental life. Until today, I never realised he had served with the regiment, his name has certainly never appeared in similar conversations about Films & TV relating to the regiment. It would be good to recognise him. He died in 1978. He appears to have spent most of his Post-War years living in and around Chelsea.

Any views?

[Aled Roberts]

Here you go Al, although I do not know with which Bn he served - but its a start.

4205410 Andre Cecil Morell
Enlisted 18th July 1940
Discharged 2nd May 1941 (KR 390 XVII)

[ap1]

Cheers Richard, thats interesting. Wiki says he was in service 1940-1946. He certainly never made any films during that period. The particular KR suggests discharged to carry out some sort of service elsewhere. Although I can't find the exact definition. So its appears he went off and carried out some sort of war work perhaps.

He was born in London in 1909, his real name was Andre Mesritz, which he changed by deed poll in 1938.

[Aled Roberts]

Been having a dig around - Looks like he was Commissioned into RWF on the 3rd May 1941.

London Gazette 13th May 1941
The undermentioned Cadets, from O.C.T.U's to be 2nd Lts. 3rd May 1941:-
Infantry
R.W.Fus
Andre Cecil Morell (184740)

Can't find him after that in the Gazette though - but it is notoriously temperamental !</SPAN>

Best bet know is to find some Army lists for 1941 onwards. Alas I do not have any.

[ap1]

Still very strange Richard. Would he have been discharged on the 2nd May 1941 under KR's, the commissioned the following day in to the RWF. Is that how the process works? Wonder if Swiper has info on him.

[Baconwallah]

Would he have been discharged on the 2nd May 1941 under KR's, the commissioned the following day in to the RWF. Is that how the process works?

"Discharged to Commission" was the expression at the time.

John

[Aled Roberts]

Had to seek some help but now have the details of the paragraph.

KR Para 390 XVII 1940
For the purpose of being appointed to the Commission, or for the purpose of being appointed to a Cadetship, or on promotion to Commission Rank.

Discharges under this sub paragraph for the purpose of being appointed to a Commission or to a Cadetship will only be authorised under the special instructions in the force at the time. In the case of soldiers promoted to Commissioned Rank, the entry in the London Gazette will be quoted as the authority for discharge under this heading. See appendage XXVI for special instructions in the case of regular soldiers granted emergency Commissions during a National Emergency.

Next stop - finding someone with the right Army Lists.